Chapter 66.2

The two arrived in town, had a meal, and then boarded the train. Lu Yu bought two sleeper tickets. By the time the train departed, it was already dark. Jiang Nian fell asleep as soon as she got on the train. Half-awake in the middle of the night, she saw Lu Yu sitting beside her, guarding her. The upper bunk was occupied by a middle-aged woman who whispered upon seeing Lu Yu treating Jiang Nian like a treasure, “Comrade, you’re really good to your wife.”

Lu Yu smiled softly, “It’s what I should do.”

The train arrived early the next morning. Jiang Nian was sound asleep. Lu Yu leaned over and gently nudged her shoulder, “We’re here.”

“Oh.”

Still groggy, Jiang Nian opened her eyes. Lu Yu held her hand as they got off the train. She had slept soundly the whole way. In town, Jiang Nian said, “I want to visit the embroidery shop. We’re moving to Yuan City, and I can’t embroider here anymore. I need to let Director Wang and the others know.”

Lu Yu nodded, “Okay.”

They went to the embroidery shop. Lu Yu waited outside while Jiang Nian went in. Zhang Xiao rushed over as soon as she saw Jiang Nian, “Sister Jiang, when did you come back?”

Jiang Nian smiled, “Just now.”

Zhai Peipei and Lu Xiaoqing came out from the side room upon hearing the voices. “Are you done with your work? Can you take on some embroidery tasks?” Lu Xiaoqing asked.

“Actually, there’s a needle technique I don’t quite understand. Can you help me?” Zhai Peipei added.

Jiang Nian smiled, “Sure.”

She went into the room to teach Zhai Peipei the needle technique while chatting with Lu Xiaoqing and Zhang Xiao. In the course of their conversation, Zhang Xiao finally realized that Jiang Nian was moving to Yuan City. She was stunned for a moment, her eyes reddening suddenly, “Sister Jiang, I can’t bear to see you go.”

Zhang Xiao thought she would be able to see Sister Jiang every day once she moved to the family quarters after a while.

Lu Xiaoqing was also taken aback, “Now that you mention leaving, I’m quite reluctant too.”

Zhai Peipei smiled, “It’s good to go to Yuan City. Director Ge is there, and you can work under her.”

Everyone understood tacitly that being under Ge Mei was much better than being under Peng Yin.

Resting her head on Jiang Nian’s shoulder, Zhang Xiao asked, “Sister Jiang, when are you leaving?”

Jiang Nian shook her head, “I don’t know, but it should be in these few days.”

She reached out and pinched Zhang Xiao’s cheek, “You’re going to be a mother soon, why are you crying?”

Zhang Xiao lowered her head, “I can’t bear to see you go.”

Zhai Peipei and Lu Xiaoqing felt the same, but with Deputy Commander Lu being transferred to Yuan City, Jiang Nian had to go with him. Otherwise, she would be alone here, and what if something happened again?

Peng Yin came to the embroidery shop with Director Wang. As soon as they entered, they saw Jiang Nian. Director Wang was about to talk to Jiang Nian about the new embroidery when Jiang Nian suddenly mentioned that she was leaving.

Director Wang was stunned, “What?”

Peng Yin was also stunned, staring wide-eyed at Jiang Nian.

Jiang Nian explained, “My brother-in-law has been transferred to Yuan City to take up a post, and I will follow him.” Seeing Director Wang’s furrowed brow, she apologized, “Director Wang, I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to embroider for the shop anymore.”

Director Wang: ?!!

Peng Yin breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Jiang Nian leaving had nothing to do with her.

Director Wang looked at Jiang Nian, “Is there really no room for discussion?”

Jiang Nian shook her head firmly, “I’m sorry, I have to go with my brother-in-law.”

Director Wang: …

She had hoped that the shop’s profits would turn around this year and improve further.

Zhai Peipei and Lu Xiaoqing didn’t say anything. They watched from the side room as Zhang Xiao rubbed her belly, clearly not in high spirits.

Director Wang left listlessly, and Peng Yin didn’t say much either. After saying goodbye to Zhang Xiao and the others, Jiang Nian left. Lu Yu was waiting for her outside. When Jiang Nian came out, a smile flickered in Lu Yu’s eyes, “All done?”

Jiang Nian nodded, “Mm.”

A bit farther from the embroidery shop, Lu Yu held Jiang Nian’s hand and squeezed her delicate fingers, “We’ll leave in two days. I’ll go to the regiment headquarters to handle the handover.”

“Okay.”

They caught the early morning bus and arrived at the army base around noon.

Lu Yu left his luggage at home, fetched two buckets of water from the well to the kitchen, and told Jiang Nian, “I’ll go to the team first and come back later.”

Jiang Nian tied her apron, took out the thawed meat, and smiled, “I’ll make you some mixed noodles for when you come back.”

“Sounds good.”

He walked to the kitchen door, looked at Jiang Nian standing at the cutting board, and suddenly crossed over to embrace her slender waist, planting a deep kiss on her lips.

“Um…”

Jiang Nian widened her eyes, feeling the moist touch on her healing lip wound. Her hand holding the knife froze in midair.

Lu Yu pinched Jiang Nian’s soft waist and kissed her neck gently. In a hoarse voice, he said, “I’ll be back later.”

The aura unique to Lu Yu was instantly withdrawn. Jiang Nian snapped out of her daze and turned her head, only to see Lu Yu leaving the house looking just as aloof and distant as when she first met him, his tall and straight figure showing no trace of the tenderness he had just shown her.

Jiang Nian: …

She turned back to continue cutting the meat, a smile in her bright eyes. She licked the wound on her lip with the tip of her tongue, feeling a slight ache.

This wound was inflicted by Lu Yu when they were at the Xu family house.

Lu Yu must have noticed Jiang Nian’s unusual behavior that night. She wondered if he believed her fabricated excuse. After all, the idea of transmigration was too bizarre to believe without experiencing it firsthand.

Lu Yu returned shortly after Jiang Nian finished preparing lunch. They ate quickly, and then he hurriedly left again.

Jiang Nian packed everything in the house into a large backpack and neatly organized the clothes she had made over the past year. After finishing packing, she took out the food from her small bag and went to Xu Yan’s house. It was getting dark, and Xu Yan was cooking in the kitchen while Liu Jianye sat by the stove, tending to the fire. When Jiang Nian approached, Liu Jianye called out, “Aunt Jiang.”

Jiang Nian smiled, “Aunt Jiang brought you some delicious food.”

Liu Jianye chuckled, and Liu Jianwu heard the noise and ran in from the yard. “Aunt Jiang, I want to eat something delicious.”

Xu Yan patted his head. “You’re the greediest.”

Jiang Nian brought a bucket of malted milk, a pound of sugar, three cans of pickles, and some wild mushrooms. “Except for the malted milk, which I bought, everything else was sent by Sister Feng. She asked me to bring them to you and take care of the two children at home.”

Xu Yan’s eyes turned red, and tears welled up. She wiped them away. “Thank you.”

Jiang Nian smiled, “No need to thank me.”

While Xu Yan was making corn pancakes and preparing noodles for the two children that evening, she told Liu Jianye, “Put everything away properly. Don’t let Jianwu eat everything in one go.”

Liu Jianye nodded, “Okay.”

After Liu Jianye left, Xu Yan said quietly, “While you were away, something happened with the Tang family. There’s been a commotion in the family quarters.”

Jiang Nian didn’t expect things to escalate so quickly but still asked in confusion, “What happened?”

Xu Yan said, “Tang Ze got divorced and took the initiative to apply for transfer to other places for training.” After saying that, she frowned and said, “Everyone in the family quarters is wondering why. The two have always had a good relationship, and Sun Ying is pregnant with Tang Ze’s child. Why does Tang Ze not even recognize the child? This divorce is very straightforward.”

Jiang Nian thought to herself, the child belongs to Wu Youshan, and there is a green hat above Tang Ze’s head.

She pretended to have just learned this news, “So much has happened.”

Xu Yan continued, “Captain Tang’s mother came to cause trouble in the family quarters the day before yesterday, looking for Captain Tang. But he had already left early in the morning. The old lady had nowhere to vent her anger, so she caused a scene at Commander Tang’s house. Sister Chen almost got into a fight with her mother-in-law. It was Commander Tang who finally sent her home to calm things down.”

Jiang Nian had heard what Chen Fang said at Tang Ze’s house that night.

Because the Tang family had always helped the Chen family, Commander Tang’s mother had always bossed Chen Fang around. Until Tang Ze married Sun Ying, the daughter of a factory director, Commander Tang’s mother must be very happy. But before long, Tang Ze divorced his wife, Sun Ying left, and Tang Ze ran away. The old lady came over for nothing, and all the anger fell on Chen Fang.

Jiang Nian returned from Xu Yan’s house and went back to the kitchen to cook. She made pancakes and stir-fried two dishes. Outside the courtyard, footsteps could be heard. Jiang Nian turned her head and saw not only Lu Yu returning but also Song Bai and Zhu Jun. As soon as Zhu Jun entered, he shouted, “Sister-in-law, I’m here to mooch another meal.”

Jiang Nian smiled, “I’ll cook a few more dishes.”

There was some smoke in the kitchen. Jiang Nian bent over to stir-fry the vegetables. The fragrant smell wafted out of the window. Zhu Jun remarked that this aroma was better than that of the cafeteria. Lu Yu and Song Bai washed their hands at the well and entered the kitchen one after the other to bring the food to the table. Zhu Jun moved the table into the house.

Lu Yu brought out scallion pancakes, Song Bai brought two dishes, and just as he stepped out, he suddenly stopped and looked at Jiang Nian’s snowy profile. He whispered, “Sister-in-law.”

Jiang Nian added water to the pot to make egg drop soup and turned to look at Song Bai when she heard his voice, “What’s wrong?”

Her eyes sparkled, reflecting Song Bai’s handsome face. Song Bai pursed his lips for a moment and smiled, “Sister-in-law’s cooking smells great.”

Jiang Nian couldn’t help but laugh, “If it smells good, eat more.”

She made egg drop soup and served a bowl to each person.

Several people ate at Lu Yu’s house. Jiang Nian didn’t eat much before she was full. Lu Yu lifted his eyes to look at her, “Do you want to eat more?”

Jiang Nian shook her head, “I’m full.”

Song Bai said, “Sister-in-law, you should eat more and grow more meat. That way, your body will be stronger.”

Zhu Jun agreed, “What Deputy Commander Song said is right. Being a little fatter is a blessing.”

Jiang Nian: …

She didn’t want to get fat.

After dinner, Zhu Jun and the others took their bowls and chopsticks to the kitchen. Lu Yu went to wash the dishes, and Zhu Jun saw Song Bai was about to sweep the floor. He picked up the broom first, “Deputy Commander Song, I’ll sweep it. Otherwise, my bones will be idle.”

Song Bai: …

After Lu Yu washed the dishes, he heated water for Jiang Nian and carried it into the room. The room was warmed by a brazier, not too cold. He looked at Jiang Nian sitting on the edge of the bed and said, “I’m going back to the dorm.”

Jiang Nian nodded gently, “Okay.”

“Come out and lock the door.”

Lu Yu stood at the door of the room. When Jiang Nian approached, he grabbed the back of her neck and kissed her lips, “I’m leaving.”

Jiang Nian’s face turned red, feeling that Lu Yu always kissed her whenever he had the chance.

After seeing Lu Yu off, Jiang Nian quickly took a shower and went to sleep. The next morning, she was awakened by the rushing sound of water. She put on her clothes and went out. Lu Yu had already prepared breakfast. While eating, he said, “A few comrades will come to our house for dinner tomorrow.”

Jiang Nian thought for a moment, “Then I’ll prepare the ingredients today.”

Lu Yu has been busy with handover work in the regiment these past few days. After quickly finishing his meal, he left. Just as she finished washing the dishes, she heard a military guard calling at the door, “Comrade Jiang, there’s a phone call for you.”

The first person Jiang Nian thought of was Ge Mei.

She dried her hands and went over to the police officer. As soon as she picked up the receiver, Ge Mei’s voice came through, “Jiang Nian, I heard from Sister Zhai that you’re coming to Yuan City?”

Her voice carried a joyful smile.

Jiang Nian smiled, “Yes, Lu Yu is being transferred to Yuan City, and I’m going with him.”

Ge Mei asked, “Are you two—” realizing it wasn’t convenient to discuss over the phone, she changed the subject, “When are you coming over?”

Jiang Nian replied, “The day after tomorrow by train.”

There was a pause from Ge Mei’s end before she asked, “Jiang Nian, when you come to Yuan City this time, are you going to stay with Lu Yu at the family quarters or temporarily stay with me?” Without waiting for Jiang Nian’s answer, she added, “I think it’s better for you to stay with me temporarily.”

Jiang Nian belatedly understood Ge Mei’s meaning. If she stayed with Lu Yu before their marriage certificate was issued, she could only be seen as his sister-in-law, which would invite criticism when they eventually married. Staying with Ge Mei first would avoid unnecessary trouble until Lu Yu’s paperwork was complete, and she could move into his family’s quarters as his wife without issue.

“I understand,” Jiang Nian smiled.

After a few more words with Ge Mei, Jiang Nian went to the supply and marketing cooperative, bought a bunch of things, and as she walked back to the military base, she unexpectedly saw someone.

“Jiang Nian.”

Sun Yuan was dressed warmly, with a cotton hat and scarf, walking towards Jiang Nian.

Jiang Nian was somewhat surprised, “How’s your health?”

Sun Yuan replied, “It’s mostly recovered. Can we talk?”

Jiang Nian said, “Wait here.”

She ran to the military guard office, left her things inside, said she’d be back soon, and went outside with Sun Yuan. The two walked along the bare roadside and unconsciously reached the county town. Sun Yuan suggested having lunch at the state-run restaurant, and Jiang Nian agreed, “Okay.”

Sun Yuan chose a window seat, ordered two dishes, and looked at Jiang Nian, “The main reason I came to see you this time is to thank you.”

Jiang Nian took a sip of water, “I didn’t do much.”

“No, you did a lot.” Sun Yuan’s face showed a grateful smile, “If it weren’t for you opening that door, I might have bled to death from the loss of blood. And in the hospital, if you hadn’t said those things to me, I’d still be living in a haze of pain. Jiang Nian, I’m very lucky to have met you.”

Throughout, Jiang Nian never explained the purpose behind her words at the time, simply being polite with Sun Yuan.

As they ate, Sun Yuan remained quiet. Halfway through, she looked at Jiang Nian, “Have you ever had any conflicts with Sun Ying?”

Jiang Nian’s eating slowed for a moment. After a brief hesitation, she mentioned the embroidered mandarin duck curtains incident, carefully avoiding mentioning Lu Yu. Sun Yuan listened and sneered, “She is just that kind of person. She hopes that everyone will do what she wants and that everyone will treat her like a treasure. She was like this in the compound, and she is still like this after she got married.”

Jiang Nian asked, “How is she now?”

Sun Yuan’s face showed even more disdain than before, “My dad sent her away to another place.”

Sun Yuan hesitated for a moment before mentioning Sun Ying’s affair, “Before getting married, she had an affair with Wu Youshan, and she was pregnant with Wu Youshan’s child when she married Captain Tang. This scandal couldn’t be covered up, and after Captain Tang divorced her, he left. The Wu family doesn’t acknowledge the child, and Wu Youshan left with Sun Ying in anger. Now, there’s only Ding Hua and my dad left at home.”

Sun Ying left, and it was Ding Hua’s turn next.

These years, Ding Hua had been secretly bullying her, and she had to settle these scores.

Sun Yuan said, “I’m the one who exposed Sun Ying’s affair.”